'A Portrait of the East Indiaman ['Orwell'], built at Mr Bayley's Ship-Yard, Ipswich. Launched 17th August, 1817'

The East Indiaman ‘Orwell’ lying in the shipyard at Ipswich in the process of being built, as viewed from the far side of a timber pond. A small figure walks toward the ship in the middle ground. In the distance on the right, several barges, yachts and a windmill.

Inscribed lower right: 'Published originally by R.N. Rose, Bookseller, Ipswich. / Copied by Lithography by Mr Bayley's Grandson / Jesse W. Ward "Croydon Advertiser" Office, 1884.' The ship's dimensions are also given in an inscription, lower centre, as 153 feet (keel), 195 feet (deck), 43 ft 3 1/2 ins (width on deck), depth in hold to upper deck 31 feet, 1337 tons. The launch was in fact delayed and took place on 29 August, the ship being named 'Orwell' by Mrs Isaacs, wife of the principal owner, as recounted in a passage in 'Ship News' in the 'Morning Post' of 2 September 1817. 'The vessel went through the dock to the main channel, about 300 yards, without a check, but grounded at the edge for some minutes; still, as she was launched before high water, she wore round, and three small square sails being hoisted, she glided majestically down the river [Orwell] for about a mile and a half.' About 20,000 spectators, both ashore and afloat, were estimated to have come to witness the launch, which was celebrated with flags flying, the bells of churches along the river being rung and a ball at the Ipswich Assembly Rooms that evening, 'which was very genteelly attended.' [PvdM 4/15]